Catherine (Boland) Werner

Catherine Boland Werner

"Kathy"

1937 - 2025

Catherine “Kathy” Boland Werner, of Cape Coral, FL, and formerly of Havertown and Darby Twp, PA, passed away at NCH North Hospital in Naples, FL on 10/8/2025.

The daughter of Victor J. and Eleanor (Barbera) Boland, Kathy was born at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia on June 18, 1937. During her elementary and middle school years, she and her family lived in the Highland Park neighborhood of Upper Darby Twp., where she attended St. Laurence School. At age 14, the family moved to the Pilgrim Gardens neighborhood of Haverford Twp. From there, she commuted daily to West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Girls. Kathy was proud to be a “West Catholic girl” and would always chime, “West is Best.”

Kathy faced profound hardships early in life—experiences that brought deep pain and left lasting scars on her spirit. For many years, she carried these burdens in silence, as the world around her offered little understanding or compassion. Only much later in life did she find the courage to share her story, opening the door to healing and peace.

Out of her suffering emerged a beautiful gift: a heart overflowing with love, empathy, and tenderness for others. Kathy was a simple, down-to-earth woman with a warm and generous spirit. She befriended people without hesitation, embracing all regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion. As a devoted mother of five sons, she taught through quiet example the values of kindness, respect, and love for all people. Kathy also gave freely of her time as a volunteer at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, and even after stepping back from in-person service, she faithfully collected soda can tabs to support their fundraising efforts—a small but steady reflection of her enduring care for others.

While Kathy modeled and taught her sons to respect all regardless of differences, she, at the same time, was very proud of her Irish heritage and the fact that she was a dual citizen (of the United States & Ireland).  Indeed, Kathy would beam with pride whenever she showed others her Irish passport.  And one of the highlights of her life was traveling to County Clare, Ireland to visit the farm where her grandfather Matthew Boland grew up.

Kathy was a voracious reader, often finishing a book in just a day or two. She especially enjoyed murder mysteries and counted among her favorite authors James Patterson, Sue Grafton, Janet Evanovich, Robert Parker, and Jonathan Kellerman. She loved crocheting, collecting porcelain dolls, and browsing thrift stores. She cherished trips to Cape May, NJ—a tradition dating back to family vacations in the 1940s and 1950s.  Kathy was a big Elvis Presley fan and was fond of all his songs, except one!  She also delighted in house-hunting and fixer-upper shows on HGTV, and Kathy had a lifelong love affair with cats, including her current companion, Mazie.

A woman of deep Christian faith, Kathy had a close relationship with the Lord Jesus. Her main time of prayer was each night before bed. She was an active member of St. Katharine Drexel Church in Cape Coral, FL, and previously a parishioner at Sacred Heart Church in Havertown, PA, where she was always grateful for the kindness and goodness of Msgr. McKee (now pastor emeritus). Kathy’s family is confident that the Lord has been faithful to the promise He made to her at baptism and has welcomed her home to heaven.

In addition to her parents, Victor and Eleanor Boland, Kathy was predeceased by her husband of 35 years, George Werner III; George’s parents, George Werner, Jr. and Florence (Gannon) Werner; George’s sister, Marie Werner D’Alesio, who loved her like a sister; and sister-in-law Connie Boland. She is survived by her brother, Victor J. Boland Jr. (Coatesville, PA); George’s brother, Eugene “Gene” Werner (Charleston, SC), who was like a brother to her; many Barbera cousins; five sons—George (San Diego, CA), Stephen (Norwood, PA), Phillip (West Norriton, PA), John (Cape Coral, FL), and Christopher (Cape Coral, FL); three daughters-in-law—Lilli, Marie, and Lizabel; ten grandchildren—Manny, Andrea, George, Joseph, Stephen Jr., Matthew, Christine, Phillip Anderson, Phillip Jr. (“Pepe”), and Robert; and three great-grandchildren—Jayden, David, and Zachary. She is also survived by many dear friends she loved as family, including Patty “Irish” Dolente of Dover, Arkansas and Marilyn “Girlfriend” Leschner of Philadelphia, PA.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Ruffenach Funeral Home in Drexel Hill, PA.  According to Kathy’s wishes, Visitation, the Funeral Mass, and interment will be private. Kathy’s family requests prayers. For those who wish to honor her memory, donations may be made to:

• Safe Place: The Center for Child Protection & Health at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (3401 Civic Center Blvd)

• The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House (3925 Chestnut St)

• West Catholic Preparatory High School (4501 Chestnut St)

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